“He was successful last year because he took what the defense gave him and continued to learn every day,” Smith said. “As the season went on, he began to trust his abilities and ended up with a very successful season.”

Last season, the offense averaged 15 points-per-game, scoring 20 or more points in four games. Having lost players on offense including Tucker Reed, Doug Reed, Azel Foster and nearly their entire offensive line, others will have to step up.

At running back, Montrell Jones and Donell Hooker will see touches, while DJ Rawley will offer some versatility in the backfield and at wideout. Meanwhile, on the o-line, Matt Chadwick returns as an experienced varsity player, making the jump from tight end.

With change on the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers face the same challenges on the defensive end.

Having lost players including Zach Lott, Zion Downing, Chris Gordon and Foster at linebacker, a fairly new group on defense will be learning as they go.

“The defense is shaping up well. We return only two starters so they’ll need to rise up quickly,” Smith said. “They’re constantly improving and working hard. That’s all you can ask for from the players. They’ll need to grow up quick.”

Despite dropping their opener earlier this week to A.I. duPont, the Panthers will look to bounce back this Friday night when they host Indian River.